GMK/Cherry Spacebar Discussion - Markings?

[phoenix1234]

Mod note: the following posts have been split off from the Simple Questions Simple Answers thread for a more in-depth discussion

Hmm, well at the very least, are all (unmodified) 11800 boards guaranteed to have a PBT bar? There are quite a few on eBay.

yea 11800 has pbt

How are you so certain? I'm not sure. All the other Cherry boards I've bought with PBT caps have had ABS spacebars. Do you have a link?

My 11800 has PBT, and I really doubt cherry would put pbt on one board out of all of their boards

Are you REALLY sure they're PBT? Like, you've done the acetone test to the underside, and it wasn't affected? Because Cherry liked to make ABS spacebars in molds that had PBT stamped in them.

I can confirm Cherry G80-11800 has a thick PBT space bar (4 stems on the bottom totally).

7x Cherry PBT space bar weight: ~7.5g
7x GMK ABS space bar weight : ~6.8g
7x SP ABS space bar weight: ~6.2g

[intelli78]

I can confirm Cherry G80-11800 has a thick PBT space bar (4 stems on the bottom totally).

7x Cherry PBT space bar weight: ~7.5g
7x GMK ABS space bar weight : ~6.8g
7x SP ABS space bar weight: ~6.2g

is the molding of the Cherry and GMK space bars exactly the same? (Including stems) If not, that could account for the weight difference rather than the density of the material.

[phoenix1234]

I can confirm Cherry G80-11800 has a thick PBT space bar (4 stems on the bottom totally).

7x Cherry PBT space bar weight: ~7.5g
7x GMK ABS space bar weight : ~6.8g
7x SP ABS space bar weight: ~6.2g

is the molding of the Cherry and GMK space bars exactly the same? (Including stems) If not, that could account for the weight difference rather than the density of the material.

They are not exactly the same but they have similar structures. The PBT space bar is hard and steady. It is not easy to bend the PBT one while the ABS is. Plus, the PBT space has well-finished shapes, surfaces and corners.  It is not easy to tell in the picture but I believe we all can tell which one is a PBT space bar when we touch it and try to bend it.

Here is my comparison between the three 7x space bars

[Dubsgalore]

I can confirm Cherry G80-11800 has a thick PBT space bar (4 stems on the bottom totally).

7x Cherry PBT space bar weight: ~7.5g
7x GMK ABS space bar weight : ~6.8g
7x SP ABS space bar weight: ~6.2g

is the molding of the Cherry and GMK space bars exactly the same? (Including stems) If not, that could account for the weight difference rather than the density of the material.

They are not exactly the same but they have similar structures. The PBT space bar is hard and steady. It is not easy to bend the PBT one while the ABS is. Plus, the PBT space has well-finished shapes, surfaces and corners.  It is not easy to tell in the picture but I believe we all can tell which one is a PBT space bar when we touch it and try to bend it.

Here is my comparison between the three 7x space bars
(Attachment Link)
(Attachment Link)

I'd like to add something here



the left is a new orange GMK 7x spacebar, and the right is an OG white 7x spacebar. the Orange has a '1' on it and the Original has a '2' on it.

I can say all my gmk spacebars from Ivan's buy feel a little warped outward, where the original spacebar feels 100% perfectly flat.

I'm going to go check some more OG 7x spacebars and an originative 7x spacebar to see what numbers they have..

[SpAmRaY]

I can confirm Cherry G80-11800 has a thick PBT space bar (4 stems on the bottom totally).

7x Cherry PBT space bar weight: ~7.5g
7x GMK ABS space bar weight : ~6.8g
7x SP ABS space bar weight: ~6.2g

is the molding of the Cherry and GMK space bars exactly the same? (Including stems) If not, that could account for the weight difference rather than the density of the material.

They are not exactly the same but they have similar structures. The PBT space bar is hard and steady. It is not easy to bend the PBT one while the ABS is. Plus, the PBT space has well-finished shapes, surfaces and corners.  It is not easy to tell in the picture but I believe we all can tell which one is a PBT space bar when we touch it and try to bend it.

Here is my comparison between the three 7x space bars
(Attachment Link)
(Attachment Link)

I'd like to add something here

Show Image

the left is a new orange GMK 7x spacebar, and the right is an OG white 7x spacebar. the Orange has a '1' on it and the Original has a '2' on it.

I can say all my gmk spacebars from Ivan's buy feel a little warped outward, where the original spacebar feels 100% perfectly flat.

I'm going to go check some more OG 7x spacebars and an originative 7x spacebar to see what numbers they have..

my originative 7x also have a 1

[Candyflip]

My two og cherry 7x also have 1

[HoffmanMyster]

I see nothing there that indicates anything other than a standard layout, with the possible exception of an off-center capslock.  The spacebar is 6.25x and the bottom row mods are all 1.25x.  Everything else looks standard ANSI.

I think he meant the colors etc.

Oh.  I suppose that's possible too.    If that was the case, then it looks like it's probably the GMK Dolch from Originative.

[Puddsy]

My Ivanbars have 1 on them.

[CPTBadAss]

I can confirm Cherry G80-11800 has a thick PBT space bar (4 stems on the bottom totally).

7x Cherry PBT space bar weight: ~7.5g
7x GMK ABS space bar weight : ~6.8g
7x SP ABS space bar weight: ~6.2g

is the molding of the Cherry and GMK space bars exactly the same? (Including stems) If not, that could account for the weight difference rather than the density of the material.

They are not exactly the same but they have similar structures. The PBT space bar is hard and steady. It is not easy to bend the PBT one while the ABS is. Plus, the PBT space has well-finished shapes, surfaces and corners.  It is not easy to tell in the picture but I believe we all can tell which one is a PBT space bar when we touch it and try to bend it.

Here is my comparison between the three 7x space bars
(Attachment Link)
(Attachment Link)

I'd like to add something here

Show Image

the left is a new orange GMK 7x spacebar, and the right is an OG white 7x spacebar. the Orange has a '1' on it and the Original has a '2' on it.

I can say all my gmk spacebars from Ivan's buy feel a little warped outward, where the original spacebar feels 100% perfectly flat.

I'm going to go check some more OG 7x spacebars and an originative 7x spacebar to see what numbers they have..

My Ivanbars have 1 on them.

Mine do as well.

[Pacifist]

GMK has 1, 11800 also has 1

[Dubsgalore]

here's what i've found on my 6.25xs

Ivan & Originative GMK Dolch are the same
The lanch has 2, with stab inserts

and the 8904 is pbt apparently and has the perma MY stab molds

o.O

My two og cherry 7x also have 1

do you have a photo of that?

[Candyflip]

do you have a photo of that?

I don't have a good camera for macro but it is what it is  )

[Dubsgalore]

do you have a photo of that?

I don't have a good camera for macro but it is what it is  )

(Attachment Link)

hmm cool well let's all try to figure out what this means )

[CPTBadAss]

I saw these on KBDmania, where can I get similar ones?

http://www.kbdmania.net/xe/index.php?mid=photo&page=2&document_srl=8294012

Show Image

Looks like vortex PBT doubleshots. They should be up for sale on MechanicalKeyboards.com

do you have a photo of that?

Show Image

here's what i've found on my 6.25xs

Ivan & Originative GMK Dolch are the same
The lanch has 2, with stab inserts

and the 8904 is pbt apparently and has the perma MY stab molds

o.O

I think it's time to branch this off into a new thread. Or perhaps add it to this thread that Intelli78 started. Think this is a good discussion to document in a thread on it's own so it doesn't get buried here.

[CPTBadAss]

Breaking out a discussion that's brewing in the Simple Questions Simple Answers thread on spacebar markings. Also check out a related topic from intelli78 on 7x PBT spacebars.

I can confirm Cherry G80-11800 has a thick PBT space bar (4 stems on the bottom totally).

7x Cherry PBT space bar weight: ~7.5g
7x GMK ABS space bar weight : ~6.8g
7x SP ABS space bar weight: ~6.2g

is the molding of the Cherry and GMK space bars exactly the same? (Including stems) If not, that could account for the weight difference rather than the density of the material.

They are not exactly the same but they have similar structures. The PBT space bar is hard and steady. It is not easy to bend the PBT one while the ABS is. Plus, the PBT space has well-finished shapes, surfaces and corners.  It is not easy to tell in the picture but I believe we all can tell which one is a PBT space bar when we touch it and try to bend it.

Here is my comparison between the three 7x space bars
(Attachment Link)
(Attachment Link)

I'd like to add something here

Show Image

the left is a new orange GMK 7x spacebar, and the right is an OG white 7x spacebar. the Orange has a '1' on it and the Original has a '2' on it.

I can say all my gmk spacebars from Ivan's buy feel a little warped outward, where the original spacebar feels 100% perfectly flat.

I'm going to go check some more OG 7x spacebars and an originative 7x spacebar to see what numbers they have..

I saw these on KBDmania, where can I get similar ones?

http://www.kbdmania.net/xe/index.php?mid=photo&page=2&document_srl=8294012

Show Image

Looks like vortex PBT doubleshots. They should be up for sale on MechanicalKeyboards.com

do you have a photo of that?

Show Image

Show Image

here's what i've found on my 6.25xs

Ivan & Originative GMK Dolch are the same
The lanch has 2, with stab inserts

and the 8904 is pbt apparently and has the perma MY stab molds

o.O

I think it's time to branch this off into a new thread. Or perhaps add it to this thread that Intelli78 started. Think this is a good discussion to document in a thread on it's own so it doesn't get buried here.

do you have a photo of that?

I don't have a good camera for macro but it is what it is  )

[ Attachment Invalid Or Does Not Exist ]

I can confirm Cherry G80-11800 has a thick PBT space bar (4 stems on the bottom totally).

7x Cherry PBT space bar weight: ~7.5g
7x GMK ABS space bar weight : ~6.8g
7x SP ABS space bar weight: ~6.2g

is the molding of the Cherry and GMK space bars exactly the same? (Including stems) If not, that could account for the weight difference rather than the density of the material.

They are not exactly the same but they have similar structures. The PBT space bar is hard and steady. It is not easy to bend the PBT one while the ABS is. Plus, the PBT space has well-finished shapes, surfaces and corners.  It is not easy to tell in the picture but I believe we all can tell which one is a PBT space bar when we touch it and try to bend it.

Here is my comparison between the three 7x space bars
(Attachment Link)
(Attachment Link)

I'd like to add something here

Show Image

the left is a new orange GMK 7x spacebar, and the right is an OG white 7x spacebar. the Orange has a '1' on it and the Original has a '2' on it.

I can say all my gmk spacebars from Ivan's buy feel a little warped outward, where the original spacebar feels 100% perfectly flat.

I'm going to go check some more OG 7x spacebars and an originative 7x spacebar to see what numbers they have..

My Ivanbars have 1 on them.

Mine do as well.

I see nothing there that indicates anything other than a standard layout, with the possible exception of an off-center capslock.  The spacebar is 6.25x and the bottom row mods are all 1.25x.  Everything else looks standard ANSI.

I think he meant the colors etc.

Oh.  I suppose that's possible too.  :)  If that was the case, then it looks like it's probably the GMK Dolch from Originative.

Show Image

here's what i've found on my 6.25xs

Ivan & Originative GMK Dolch are the same
The lanch has 2, with stab inserts

and the 8904 is pbt apparently and has the perma MY stab molds

o.O

My two og cherry 7x also have 1

do you have a photo of that?

do you have a photo of that?

I don't have a good camera for macro but it is what it is  )

[ Attachment Invalid Or Does Not Exist ]

hmm cool well let's all try to figure out what this means )

My two og cherry 7x also have 1

I can confirm Cherry G80-11800 has a thick PBT space bar (4 stems on the bottom totally).

7x Cherry PBT space bar weight: ~7.5g
7x GMK ABS space bar weight : ~6.8g
7x SP ABS space bar weight: ~6.2g

is the molding of the Cherry and GMK space bars exactly the same? (Including stems) If not, that could account for the weight difference rather than the density of the material.

They are not exactly the same but they have similar structures. The PBT space bar is hard and steady. It is not easy to bend the PBT one while the ABS is. Plus, the PBT space has well-finished shapes, surfaces and corners.  It is not easy to tell in the picture but I believe we all can tell which one is a PBT space bar when we touch it and try to bend it.

Here is my comparison between the three 7x space bars
(Attachment Link)
(Attachment Link)

I'd like to add something here

Show Image

the left is a new orange GMK 7x spacebar, and the right is an OG white 7x spacebar. the Orange has a '1' on it and the Original has a '2' on it.

I can say all my gmk spacebars from Ivan's buy feel a little warped outward, where the original spacebar feels 100% perfectly flat.

I'm going to go check some more OG 7x spacebars and an originative 7x spacebar to see what numbers they have..

my originative 7x also have a 1

[IvanIvanovich]

In general Cherry ABS molds will have a '1', which also GMK since they came from Cherry. Cherry PBT typically has '2' and POM '3'. Exception is with 6x spacebar where they all have 'PBT' inside regardless of material, and newer MY style integrated stabilizer variant.
Typically the spacebar is the same material as the rest of the keys in the set, but not always. For example I have a 7x black PBT spacebar and it does also have a '2' and the extra set of stabilizer stems typical of PBTs that came off a POM set... OK Cherry. As with anything Cherry this is more a guideline than 100% always.

[tricheboars]

In general Cherry ABS molds will have a '1', which also GMK since they came from Cherry. Cherry PBT typically has '2' and POM '3'. Exception is with 6x spacebar where they all have 'PBT' inside regardless of material, and newer MY style integrated stabilizer variant.
Typically the spacebar is the same material as the rest of the keys in the set, but not always. For example I have a 7x black PBT spacebar and it does also have a '2' and the extra set of stabilizer stems typical of PBTs that came off a POM set... OK Cherry. As with anything Cherry this is more a guideline than 100% always.

yea cherry isnt very consistent with models and materials. sometimes they come with one thing,  sometimes another. it is weird. especially since they are german.

when i bought my POS cherry board even though i had the full model name and number i had no idea what kind of switches were going to be inside. i did know that it was coming with POM caps, which is half the reason i purchased it.

unrelated to spacebars i think GMK makes the nicest OEM/Cherry profile caps in the world.  even their ABS feels great. 

PBT spaces are warped. at least the two i have are warped. i have to apply heat and weight to them if i want to use them again. 

[Candyflip]

I never understood what is up with the pbt marking on an abs spacebar.

[yuktsi]

does anyone notice that the surface of 7x GMK is different from 6.25x? 7x appears to be more shinny 

[phoenix1234]

Thank you mod for splitting this into a separated thread so we can have an opportunity to discuss about the space bars.
 

I think in order to identity the material of the space bar whether it is ABS or PBT, we shouldn't trust the number 1 or number 2 on the bottom because as you can see my comparison, a Cherry PBT space bar can have either 1 or 2.




I think the most reliable factors are the outlook, surface, the 4 bottom-corners, colour of plastic, weight and the stiffness of the spacebar.

[CPTBadAss]

does anyone notice that the surface of 7x GMK is different from 6.25x? 7x appears to be more shinny 

They look the same with the bars I have in real life. Could just be a picture thing.

I never understood what is up with the pbt marking on an abs spacebar.

I always thought they were using molding that had that PBT marking and just running ABS into the mold/machine.